Ten questions for spring practice

Sitting in the football office at Central High, Cliff Lohrey did not hesitate when asked the number one task facing him heading into the spring: make the kids into believers. That might be a more difficult task than first meets the eye. Central struggled through a 5-5 season last year under first-year head coach Greg Bigham, who then left last month to take a job in Arkansas.

So many seniors graduate, it is hard to tell which position is most affected. The obvious choice is running back, where leading rushers James Thomas and Fabian Jackson are both gone. But then you look at the offensive line, where all five starters were seniors. And don't forget quarterback Kyle Sizemore.

The obvious choice is Citrus running back Antoin Scriven, who last year rushed for more than 1,400 yards as a freshman. The 16-year-old, whom coach Rik Haines said could be a future Division I player, effortlessly makes tacklers miss as he gains extra yards. When the Hurricanes played Lecanto, Scriven carried 32 times for 293 yards and scored two touchdowns. Look for more of the same. But don't overlook Central's Harris. The rising junior made All-Hernando/Citrus last year despite sharing the load with Carlos Becaria and Bryan Nutter. This year, expect Harris, who says he is bigger and faster, to get more carries. And expect him to do more with those carries.

Just like last year, with perennial powerhouse South Sumter out of the district, Citrus, which won the Class 4A, District 6 title, clearly has an advantage. Citrus coach Rik Haines touted freshman quarterback Cameron West's abilities all last season. After backing up Walter Howard, this is his chance to prove what he can do. Last year he was 30-of-51 for 388 passing yards, four interceptions and three touchdowns. The 'Canes graduated a lot of their line, and senior staying power in Jeremy Welfel, Patrick Kruis, Dane Moore and Mark Xenophon and will need to regroup with younger players.

Last year, Ortiz was all over the field and was either near the top or leading the Sharks in touchdowns, passing, receiving and rushing yards. Last season, coach Jamie Joyner had Nature Coast running lots of options and he said he felt most comfortable with Ortiz, his best athlete, handling the ball as often as possible. But during the 2004-2005 season, Ortiz excelled at wide receiver, leading the county in receiving yards and touchdowns. Last season, he sometimes looked spread a little thin and overwhelmed. What's going to be the story this season? Will someone step up - Stephen Paleaz, perhaps - and let Ortiz focus on one position? Or will Joyner continue employing Ortiz in multiple positions?

Coach Bill Vonada talked about it often last season: building a program. The Eagles entered 2005 having lost their starting quarterback, running back and their starting linebacker corps. No problem. The returnees stepped it up and actually improved on the previous season's record. But this season will be just as challenging. Gone: Seth Metz, who led the Eagles in rushing, tackles and sacks; Mike King, the big-play scat back; Chris Sibilia-Wait and Phil Maguire, Springstead's offensive line anchors; Chris Ferguson, the big-body tight end who led the Eagles in receiving yards and touchdowns; Andrew Ortiz, the safety who always came up with a big play and a vocal leader; Kenny Beeker, Springstead's run-stuffing linebacker and short-yardage, late-game touchdown specialist.

First season: one win. Last season: six wins. The Lions weren't exactly state championship material, but that was undoubtedly an improvement. After their 35-0 win over Heritage Prep in the season finale, coach Stephen Johnson had this to say, "We're losing six starting seniors and those guys were emotional."